What's happening
January is an exciting time for all as people focus on bettering themselves for the New Year. Fortunately for the Munster High School Mustangs, improvement is year round; they aren't sprung with abnormal goals that fleet away as the year progresses.
As the winter nights advance, winter sports begin to end. Dance, basketball, wrestling, color guard, cheer, swimming, and diving are approaching the last few weeks of their season. Senior nights are being celebrated in recognition of the contributions and accomplishments of the class of 2021. Their ability to adapt to the unusual circumstances of 2020, while continuing to lead their teams to many victories, is outstanding.
With the New Year came new perspectives regarding clubs at Munster High School. For instance, the Film Club has a new sponsor: English teacher Benjamin Boruff. Additionally, the African American Culture Club decided to change the name to Black Culture Club as a way represent the inclusivity of the club. Lastly, a new club has been created to support Mustangs and their mental health. The name of this new club is Mustang Mental Health, who held their first meeting virtually on January 20.
Student Spotlight
Zahrya Grimes is a highly-involved senior at Munster High School, and is a member of the Yearbook Club, African American Culture Club, Philosophy Club, and French Club. Grimes’ strong will and determination is shown in her hard work and dedication to her extracurriculars.
Along with being an active member in an array of clubs, she also has a job at Meatheads Burgers & Fries, a local fast casual style restaurant. With so many duties comes even more responsibility; however, that does not stop Grimes from showing excellence in the classroom.
After high school she will attend college and plans to travel and participate in study abroad. When Grimes has free time away from her obligations, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, and dancing. Dancing has been a huge component in her life as she has done it since she was a young girl.
With the New Year here to enjoy, many people have decided upon resolutions as a way to better themselves. When asked what her New Year's resolution was, Grimes had a different outlook.
“I didn’t create any new year’s resolutions because I would like to build more on the person I am right now and not change myself, but embrace myself,” said Grimes.
Teacher Spotlight
Mark Knight is a comical math teacher loved by all his students. The courses he teaches at Munster High School include Algebra II, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus AB.
“I knew I wanted to be a teacher my senior year of high school. I enjoyed helping friends and classmates with their math homework, so math seemed like the best fit,” said Knight.
Knight is a Munster High School alum and his fondness for the excellent education system led him to teach at Munster for nearly seven years.
In addition to teaching math, Knight has been the leader of The National Honors Society at Munster High School for two years. He enjoys this leadership role mostly because it provides students with free peer tutoring. He also appreciates that this position allows him to give back to the community that has helped him grow and flourish.
For the New Year, Knight’s main priority is maintaining a healthy diet. His new year's resolution consists of making more homemade meals and lessening the amount of takeout he consumes.
What happened
December was a brief month for the Mustangs as it was initiated with rigorous work in the classroom as the finalization of semester grades were upon them. Studying for final exams that could make or break their grade point average put additional tension on the Mustangs.
However, after the stresses of school were complete, the Mustangs had a two-week-long break, which they spent with loved ones celebrating the holidays.
Last month the Philosophy Club began re-hosting meetings after experiencing absences of leadership. The return of the club sparked interest in many students as the participation of the club has skyrocketed. Meetings include holding discussions and learning the history of numerous philosophers.
The Munster girls and boys basketball teams had setbacks last month due to positive COVID-19 tests. The teams have continued to remain cautious upon return and have not had further COVID-19 complications.
Although 2020 was a year that felt never-ending, it indeed came to an end. It also pushed the Mustangs beyond their limits, causing each student to grow as an individual and realize they are able to overcome any obstacle that comes their way.